Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014
120. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he met Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker prior to or after the EU Council's proposal to the European Parliament of Mr. Juncker as President of the Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29213/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI spoke with President-Designate Juncker prior to the agreement by the European Council to propose him to the European Parliament as candidate for President of the European Commission. Following this agreement, the President-Designate remains to be formally elected by the European Parliament at a vote in Strasbourg next week. Once his election is confirmed, he and I have already agreed to discuss the priorities and membership of his new Commission and the portfolio to which Ireland's Commissioner may be assigned.
I have supported President-Designate Juncker since his election as EPP lead candidate in Dublin last March and was very pleased that agreement was reached on his nomination at the European Council. He is a highly experienced and capable politician, with a thorough understanding of EU issues and an appreciation of the particular circumstances of the Member States, including Ireland. I welcome the fact that he has already made clear his commitment to prioritising policies which support economic recovery and job creation across the EU, in line with the strategic agenda recently agreed by the European Council.
